Kent, WA – September 24, 2025:
Kent Police Detectives and the Valley SWAT Team have arrested a 28-year-old Kent man in connection with the death of a store clerk who was fatally injured during a confrontation outside a smoke shop earlier this month.
The incident occurred on September 16th at approximately 7:52 p.m. when officers were dispatched to reports of an assault at the EZ Smoke Shop, located at 26022 Pacific Highway S in Kent. Witnesses told investigators that the victim, a 58-year-old Covington man and store clerk, confronted the suspect after he allegedly attempted to shoplift.
According to police, the suspect refused to return the item, leading to a brief altercation in the parking lot. During the struggle, the suspect intentionally struck the clerk with his vehicle before fleeing the scene.
The victim sustained severe head injuries and lost consciousness. King County Medics provided emergency aid and transported him to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition. Despite intensive care, the victim died from his injuries on September 22nd.
Kent Homicide Detectives identified the suspect during their investigation. On September 23rd, Kent Police Detectives, with assistance from the Valley SWAT Team, located the suspect at a residence on Kent’s East Hill and arrested him without incident.
Police confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, and charges are expected to be filed in the coming days.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken with investigators to contact the Kent Police Department tip line at 253-856-5808 or email KPDTipLine@kentwa.gov.
Media Contact:
Assistant Chief Jarod Kasner
Email: Jkasner@kentwa.gov